5/6/2020 4:31:39 PM
It’s hard to be yourself in any circumstance, but especially when you’re an elephant who’s been told what to do for the past 20 years. However, deep in the forests of Dak Lak, four Asian elephants are learning to do just that, free of chains, chores and (worst of all) set mealtimes. Bun Kham, Y Khun, H Non, and Thong Ngan are the stars of Vietnam’s first ethical elephant tours, which open a window into the extraordinary world of elephant behaviour.
Travellers from all over can sign up for the tour, created by Yok Don National Park and Animals Asia. There’s no bathing, riding or interaction with the elephants involved. You may not even get close to the animal. Still, the opportunity to observe and learn about the elephants in their own environment is a rare experience, and a must for animal lovers.